Revealed: Condition of Kenya's First Coronavirus Patient in Hospital [VIDEO]

A medical practitioner dressed in protective gear at Coronavirus isolation and treatment facility in Mbagathi District Hospital on Friday, March 6, 2020.
A medical practitioner dressed in protective gear at Coronavirus isolation and treatment facility in Mbagathi District Hospital on Friday, March 6, 2020.
Simon Kiragu
KENYANS.CO.KE

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Sunday, March 15, gave an update on the condition of the first confirmed case of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Kenya.

In a press conference at the steps of Harambee House, Nairobi, Uhuru revealed that the 27-year-old woman who flew into Nairobi from the United States through London on March 5, was in a stable condition at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).

"The first patient who was our case number one, I have been reliably informed regularly by the ministry that she is doing well and they are indeed looking after her," he stated.

Uhuru further confirmed that of 27 people who were tested after coming in contact with the woman, two had tested positive bringing the total number of confirmed cases to three. He spoke on the condition of the new cases who are also in isolation at the Kenyatta National Hospital.

Medical practitioners at a Coronavirus isolation and treatment facility in Mbagathi District Hospital on Friday, March 6, 2020.
Medical practitioners at a Coronavirus isolation and treatment facility in Mbagathi District Hospital on Friday, March 6, 2020.
Simon Kiragu
KENYANS.CO.KE

Uhuru revealed that the two newly infected individuals were receiving treatment at the Infectious Diseases Unit (IDU) of KNH.

"We did state that we traced 27 persons who came into contact with the first patient. We have since tested all 27 people at our National Influenza Center and today we have received confirmation of two more cases of the Coronavirus.

"The two have tested positive as a result of coming into contact with the first patient. Our health officials have already moved them into Kenyatta National Hospital's isolation facility, the medical teams are closely monitoring the patients who are reported to be in stable condition and responding well to treatment and this, indeed, gives us hope," he noted.

Uhuru sought to assure members of the public that anyone potentially infected by the disease would receive adequate support from the government.

"I want to assure all Kenyans that any patient who has come into contact with this disease will be given full support to ensure that they are able to recover.

"As we know, many across the globe have been infected but have also recovered. We are very hopeful with treatment, and we are learning every day. Those in our country who will come into contact with this disease, we are very hopeful and are working very hard to ensure their full recovery.

"We all know the risks, we all know the fatalities, we all know what has happened across the country. We are just saying that we will do everything in our power to ensure that we minimise loss of life and maximize the full recovery of those who have been affected by this virus," he stated.

At the press conference, Uhuru announced several measures taken to combat the spread of the dreaded virus.

Among measures taken is the suspension of learning in all institutions across the country indefinitely.

Entry into Kenya has also been suspended for thirty days for all those traveling from countries with any confirmed cases of the Coronavirus, with the exception of Kenyan nationals and foreigners with valid residence permits.

"This pandemic will test us, as it is testing all countries in every corner of the world, but I do not believe it will defeat us.  If we pull together, and everybody does their part, we shall overcome its worst impacts," Uhuru concluded his address with a not of courage.  

Watch a video of Uhuru's speech below:

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